Kansas House approves Court of Appeals change

Friday

Mar 1, 2013 at 1:00 PM

The Kansas House has approved legislation giving the governor and legislators more power over appointments to the state Court of Appeals.

AP

The Kansas House has approved legislation giving the governor and legislators more power over appointments to the state Court of Appeals.The House's 73-50 vote Friday sends the measure to the Senate.The bill provides for Court of Appeals judges to be appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate.Under the current system, a nominating commission screens applicants for the court and nominates three finalists. The governor makes the appointment, with no role for legislators.Supporters contend the change will make the selection process more open. Opponents argue it will make the process more political.Senators have already approved a proposed amendment making the same change in the selection process for both Court of Appeals judges and Kansas Supreme Court justices.